GOP’s Drew Johnson takes aim at Susie Lee for US House seat

Drew Johnson (Las Vegas Review-Journal)U.S. Rep. Susie Lee, D-Nev., speaks during a news conference in November 2022 in Las Vegas. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal).
Conservative policy analyst and not successful Clark County Commission prospect Drew Johnson announced Thursday his 2024 bid for the U.S. House of Representatives seat held by Democratic Rep. Susie Lee.

" I've worked in holding Republicans and Democrats both responsible for inefficient costs and corruption," Johnson said. "What we need as a country is someone who will actually concentrate on making certain the federal government runs better.".

Johnson signs up with former Nevada state Sen. Elizabeth Helgelien in the Republican main field.

The Republican columnist ran a close race for Clark County Commission in 2022, eventually losing to incumbent Justin Jones by just 336 votes. After the loss, Johnson conceded the race and did not ask for a recount, although he slammed the Nevada Republican Party for leading citizens to believe the election was rigged, leading to fewer Republicans voting with mail tallies.

As a senior fellow at the think tanks National Center for Public Policy Research and the R Street Institute - - where he concentrates on wasteful costs, taxes and regulatory burdens - - Johnson said he will focus on tackling the federal spending plan if chosen. He wants to analyze spending costs and find areas that can be cut to address inflation, cut taxes and "make it simpler for individuals to live their American Dream," he said.

Johnson also wishes to bridge the gap in between Republicans and Democrats and refuse "the temperature level of the nation.".

" We do not need politicians who are pitting people versus each other, who are not listening to people who do not agree with them," Johnson said. "So the very first thing I want to do is make every constituent understand that they're heard.".

On water, Johnson wishes to fight for Nevada's "fair share of water." When asked about gun-related legislation, Johnson stated he wants the federal government to be more involved in psychological health programs. Concerning migration, Johnson said he wants to ensure the border is safe and secure, however also wishes to make it easier for immigrants to come to the U.S. legally.

Johnson's list of Republican endorsements include Nevada Controller Andy Matthews, state Sens. Scott Hammond and Jeff Stone, Assemblywoman Danielle Gallant and former Nevada Gov. Robert List.

What will make this run for office different from the last time? Johnson stated he and Republicans will have to up their get-out-the-vote campaigns, knock on more doors and motivate people to "ballot harvest," or assist individuals bring their completed mail ballots to the drop box.

" We need to let individuals know that in Nevada, the only way your vote won't count is if you don't vote," Johnson said.

Contact Jessica Hill at jehill@reviewjournal.com. Follow @jess_hillyeah on Twitter.